U.S. patent application number 12/266138 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for input device.
Invention is credited to Young Gil An, Jin Suk Han, Han Cheol Kim.
Application Number | 20090115749 12/266138 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40587648 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090115749 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kim; Han Cheol ; et
al. |
May 7, 2009 |
INPUT DEVICE
Abstract
Disclosed is an input device. The input device includes a
substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the
substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing
and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member
to face the sensor, and a magnetic substance circumferentially
provided in one of the sliding member and the housing and a magnet
circumferentially provided in remaining one of the sliding member
and the housing.
Inventors: |
Kim; Han Cheol;
(Hwaseong-si, KR) ; Han; Jin Suk; (Anyang-si,
KR) ; An; Young Gil; (Seoul, KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SALIWANCHIK LLOYD & SALIWANCHIK;A PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION
PO Box 142950
GAINESVILLE
FL
32614
US
|
Family ID: |
40587648 |
Appl. No.: |
12/266138 |
Filed: |
November 6, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/184 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/03548 20130101;
G06F 3/0338 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/184 |
International
Class: |
G09G 5/00 20060101
G09G005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 7, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0113156 |
Nov 12, 2007 |
KR |
10-2007-0114821 |
Claims
1. An input device comprising: a substrate including a sensor; a
housing having an opening over the substrate; a sliding member
slidably installed between the housing and the substrate; a sensing
plate coupled with the sliding member to face the sensor; and a
magnetic substance circumferentially provided in one of the sliding
member and the housing and a magnet circumferentially provided in
remaining one of the sliding member and the housing.
2. The input device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the
magnetic substance and the magnetic has a ring shape.
3. The input device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic substance is
at least partially overlapped with the magnet in a vertical
direction.
4. The input device of claim 1, wherein the sliding member is
interposed between the magnetic substance and the magnet.
5. The input device of claim 1, further comprising a button coupled
with the sliding member.
6. The input device of claim 5, further comprising a dome member
interposed between the button and the sensing plate, a shape of the
dome member being changed according to pressing of the button so
that force is transmitted to the sensing plate.
7. An input device comprising: a substrate including a sensor; a
housing having an opening over the substrate; a sliding member
slidably installed between the housing and the substrate; a sensing
plate coupled with the sliding member to face the sensor; a first
magnet installed in the sliding member and having a ring shape; and
a second magnet installed in the housing and having a ring shape,
wherein the first magnet is at least partially overlapped with the
second magnet in a vertical direction, and overlapped parts of the
first magnet and the second magnet have polarities opposite to each
other.
8. The input device of claim 7, wherein the first magnet has a
first radius with a first magnetic pole formed radially inward
thereof, and a second magnetic pole formed radially outward
thereof; wherein the second magnet has a second radius greater than
the first radius with the first magnetic pole formed radially
inward thereof and the second magnetic pole formed radially outward
thereof; and wherein the second magnetic pole of the first magnet
is overlapped with the first magnetic pole of the second magnet in
a vertical direction so that attractive force is generated
therebetween.
9. The input device of claim 7, wherein the first magnet has a
first radius, an upper portion of the first magnet has a first
magnetic pole, and a lower portion of the first magnet has a second
magnetic pole; wherein the second magnet has a second radius
greater than the first radius with the first magnetic pole formed
radially inward thereof and the second magnetic pole formed
radially outward thereof; and wherein the first magnetic pole of
the first magnet faces the first magnetic pole of the second magnet
so that attractive force is generated therebetween.
10. The input device of claim 7, wherein the first magnet has a
first radius, an upper portion of the first magnet has a first
magnetic pole, and a lower portion of the first magnet has a second
magnetic pole; wherein the second magnet has a radius identical to
the first radius, an upper portion of the second magnet has the
first magnetic pole, and a lower portion of the second magnet has
the second magnetic pole; and wherein the first magnetic pole of
the first magnet faces the second magnetic pole of the second
magnet so that attractive force is generated therebetween.
11. The input device of claim 7, wherein the first magnet has a
first radius with a first magnetic pole formed radially inward
thereof and a second magnetic pole formed radially outward thereof;
wherein the second magnet has a radius identical to the first
radius with the first magnetic pole formed radially inward thereof
and the second magnetic pole formed radially outward thereof; and
wherein the first magnetic pole of the first magnet faces the
second magnetic pole of the second magnet so that attractive force
is generated therebetween, and the second magnetic pole of the
first magnet faces the second magnetic pole of the second magnet so
that attractive force is generated therebetween.
12. The input device of claim 7, wherein the first magnet has a
first radius and is formed with first and second magnetic poles
alternately aligned in a circumferential direction, the second
magnet has a radius identical to the first radius, and is formed
with first and second magnetic poles aligned in a circumferential
direction; and the first magnetic pole of the first magnet faces
the first magnetic pole of the second magnet so that attractive
force is generated therebetween, and the second magnetic pole of
the first magnet faces the second magnetic pole of the second
magnet so that attractive force is generated therebetween.
13. The input device of claim 7, wherein the sliding member is
interposed between the magnetic substance and the magnet.
14. The input device of claim 7, further comprising a button
coupled with the sliding member.
15. The input device of claim 14, further comprising a dome member
interposed between the button and the sensing plate, a shape of the
dome member being changed according to pressing of the button so
that force is transmitted to the sensing plate.
16. An input device comprising: a substrate including a sensor; a
housing having an opening over the substrate; a sliding member
slidably installed between the housing and the substrate; a sensing
plate coupled with the sliding member to face a charge plate; a
first magnet installed in the sliding member and having a ring
shape; and a second magnet installed in the housing and having a
ring shape, wherein the first magnet is at least partially
overlapped with the second magnet in a horizontal direction, and
the first magnet faces the second magnet so that repulsive force is
generated therebetween.
17. The input device of claim 16, wherein the first magnet has a
first radius, an upper portion of the first magnet has a first
magnetic pole, and a lower portion of the first magnet has a second
magnetic pole; wherein the second magnet has a second radius
greater than the first radius, an upper portion of the second
magnet has the first magnetic pole, and a lower portion of the
second magnet has the second magnetic pole; and wherein the first
magnetic pole of the first magnet faces the first magnetic pole of
the second magnet so that repulsive force is generated
therebetween, and the second magnetic pole of the first magnet
faces the second magnetic pole of the second magnet so that
repulsive force is generated therebetween.
18. The input device of claim 16, wherein the first magnet has a
first radius with a first magnetic pole formed radially inward
thereof and a second magnetic pole formed radially outward thereof;
wherein the second magnet has a second radius greater than the
first radius with the first magnetic pole formed radially inward
thereof and the second magnetic pole formed radially outward
thereof; and wherein the second magnetic pole of the first magnet
faces the first magnetic pole of the second magnet so that
repulsive force is generated therebetween.
19. The input device of claim 16, further comprising a button
coupled with the sliding member.
20. The input device of claim 19, further comprising a dome member
interposed between the button and the sensing plate, a shape of the
dome member being changed according to pressing of the button so
that force is transmitted to the sensing plate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of Korean Patent Applications No. 10-2007-0113156,
filed Nov. 7, 2007 and 10-2007-0114821, filed Nov. 12, 2007, which
are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Electronic appliances such as a mobile phone, a personal
digital assistant (PDA), and an MP3 player include an information
input device inputting manipulation commands of a user.
[0003] Such an information input device is classified into a
button-type information input device to input on/off signals and a
wheel-type information input device to input a specific
manipulation command according to the rotation of a wheel
thereof.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0004] An embodiment provides an input device having a new
structure.
[0005] An embodiment provides a sliding-type input device.
[0006] An embodiment provides an input device having restoring
force.
[0007] According to an embodiment, an input device includes a
substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the
substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing
and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member
to face the sensor, a magnetic substance circumferentially provided
in one of the sliding member and the housing, and a magnet
circumferentially provided in remaining one of the sliding member
and the housing.
[0008] According to an embodiment, an input device includes a
substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the
substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing
and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member
to face the sensor, a first magnet installed in the sliding member
and having a ring shape, and a second magnet installed in the
housing and having a ring shape, wherein the first magnet is at
least partially overlapped with the second magnet, and overlapped
parts of the first magnet and the second magnet have polarities
opposite to each other.
[0009] According to an embodiment, an input device includes a
substrate including a sensor, a housing having an opening on the
substrate, a sliding member slidably installed between the housing
and the substrate, a sensing plate coupled with the sliding member
to face a charge plate, a first magnet installed in the sliding
member and having a ring shape, and a second magnet installed in
the housing and having a ring shape, wherein the first magnet is at
least partially overlapped with the second magnet in a horizontal
direction, and the first magnet faces the second magnet so that
repulsive force is generated therebetween.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a first embodiment.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an input
device according to a first embodiment.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a second embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a view showing the arrangement of magnets of an
input device according to a second embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a third embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an
input device according to a third embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a fourth embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an
input device according to a fourth embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a fifth embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an
input device according to a fifth embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an
input device according to a sixth embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a seventh embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an
input device according to a seventh embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to an eighth embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a view showing the arrangement of magnets in an
input device according to an eighth embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a ninth embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a tenth embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to an eleventh embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Hereinafter, an input device according to embodiments will
be described with respect to accompanying drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an exploded
perspective view of the input device according to the first
embodiment.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the input device according to
the first embodiment includes a base member 10 and a housing 90
coupled with the base member 10.
[0031] A substrate 20 is installed on the base member 10, and a
sliding member 50 is provided on the substrate 20.
[0032] The substrate 20 is provided thereon with a charge plate 21
divided into a plurality of areas to serve as a sensor, and a
sensing plate 40 is installed below the sliding member 50 facing
the charge plate 21 such that the sensor can detect the sensing
plate.
[0033] Capacitance of the charge plate 21 is remarkably changed
according to the change of the position or the shape of the sensing
plate 40. The manipulation command of a user can be recognized by
detecting the variation in the capacitance of the charge plate 21.
Since the sensing plate 40 is coupled with the sliding member 50,
the position of the sensing plate 40 may be changed according to
the movement of the sliding member 50.
[0034] A dome member 60 is provided on the sensing plate 40, and a
button 70 is provided on the dome member 60. A portion of the
button 70 may protrude out of an outside through an opening 91 of
the housing 90, and a contact part 100 is provided on the button
70.
[0035] The contact part 100 helps a user to press or slide the
button 70 by using user's finger or a pen. The contact part 100 may
be selectively installed.
[0036] The button 70 is coupled with the sliding member 50 such
that the sliding member 50 is slid by external force.
[0037] The button 70 applies force to the dome member 60 provided
below the button 70 as the contact part 100 is pressed, and the
dome member 60 changes the shape of the sensing plate 40 provided
below the dome member 60. As the shape of the sensing plate 40 is
changed, the capacitance of the charge plate 21 is changed to
detect that the button 70 is pressed.
[0038] The dome member 60 has a convex-up shape and elasticity.
Accordingly, when the button 70 is pushed down, a central portion
of the dome member 60 is deformed downward and then returns to an
original state thereof when the pressed button 70 is released.
Accordingly, the button 70 is deformed downward as the button 70 is
pushed down and then returns to an original state thereof due to
elasticity of the dome member 60 when the pressed button 70 is
released.
[0039] As the sliding member 50 moves, the position of the sensing
plate 40 is changed on the charge plate 21, so that a command
having directionality, such as the movement of a cursor, can be
input through the input device. In addition, as the button 70 is
pressed, the shape of the sensing plate 40 is changed on the charge
plate 21, so that the input device can input the manipulation
command such as a "click" representing a selection signal.
[0040] Meanwhile, after the sliding member 50 moves due to an
external force, if the external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 must return to an original position thereof.
[0041] To this end, the input device according to a first
embodiment includes a magnet 30 and a magnetic substance 80.
[0042] The magnet 30 has a ring shape so as to be coupled with the
sliding member 50, and the magnetic substance 80 has a ring shape
so as to be coupled to the housing 90.
[0043] Since attractive force is generated between the magnet 30
and the magnetic substance 80, the sliding member 50 having the
magnet 30 can be exactly restored to an original position
thereof.
[0044] According to the first embodiment, although the magnet 30 is
coupled with the sliding member 50 and the magnetic substance 80 is
coupled with the housing 90, the magnetic substance 80 may be
coupled with the sliding member 50, and the magnet 30 may be
coupled with the housing 90.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a view showing the
arrangement of magnets in the input device according to the second
embodiment.
[0046] Details of elements the same as those of the first
embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.
[0047] In the input device according to the second embodiment, a
first magnet 130 is installed in the sliding member 50, and a
second magnet 180 is installed in the housing 90.
[0048] The first magnet 130 has a ring shape with a first radius,
and the second magnet 180 has a ring shape with a second radius
greater than the first radius so that the first magnet 130 is
partially overlapped with the second magnet 180 in a vertical
direction.
[0049] The first magnet 130 has a first polarity 131 at a region
formed radially inward of the first magnet 130, and a second
polarity 132 at a region formed radially outward of the first
magnet 130. For example, the first polarity 131 may be an S-pole,
and the second polarity 132 may be an N-pole. On the contrary, the
first polarity 131 may be the N-pole, and the second polarity 132
may be the S-pole.
[0050] In addition, the second magnet 180 has a first polarity 181
at a region formed radially inward thereof and a second polarity
182 at a region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the
first polarity 181 may be the S-pole, and the second polarity 182
may be the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity 181 may be
the N-pole, and the second polarity 182 may be the S-pole.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the second polarity 132 of the first
magnet 130 is vertically overlapped with the first polarity 181 of
the second magnet 180.
[0052] Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the
second polarity 132 of the first magnet 130 and the first polarity
181 of the second magnet 180, and repulsive force is generated
between the first polarity 131 of the first magnet 130 and the
first polarity 181 of the second magnet 180. Repulsive force is
generated between the second polarity 132 of the first magnet 130
and the second polarity 182 of the second magnet 180.
[0053] As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 can return to an original position thereof due to the
force generated between the first and second magnets 130 and
180.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 6 is a view showing the
arrangement of magnets of the input device according to the third
embodiment.
[0055] Details of elements the same as those of the first
embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.
[0056] In the input device according to the third embodiment, a
first magnet 230 is installed in the sliding member 50, and a
second magnet 280 is installed in the housing 90.
[0057] The first magnet 230 has a ring shape with a first radius,
and the second magnet 280 has a ring shape with a second radius
greater than the first radius, so that the first magnet 230 is
partially overlapped with the second magnet 280 in a vertical
direction.
[0058] An upper portion of the first magnet 230 has a first
polarity 231 and a lower portion of the first magnet 230 has a
second polarity 232. For example, the first polarity 231 may be the
N-pole, and the second polarity 232 may be the S-pole. On the
contrary, the first polarity 231 may be the S-pole, and the second
polarity 232 may be the N-pole.
[0059] In addition, the second magnet 280 has a first polarity 281
at a region radially inward thereof and a second polarity 282 at a
region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first
polarity 281 may be the S-pole, and the second polarity 282 may be
the N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity 281 may be the
N-pole, and the second polarity 282 may be the S-pole.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, the first polarity 231 of the first
magnet 230 faces the first polarity 281 of the second magnet
280.
[0061] Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first
polarity 231 of the first magnet 230 and the first polarity 281 of
the second magnet 280, and repulsive force is generated between the
first polarity 231 of the first magnet 230 and the second polarity
282 of the second magnet 280.
[0062] As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 can return to an original position thereof due to force
generated between the first and second magnets 230 and 280.
[0063] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a view showing the
arrangement of magnets of the input device according to the fourth
embodiment.
[0064] Details of elements the same as those of the first
embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.
[0065] In the input device according to the fourth embodiment, a
first magnet 330 is installed in the sliding member 50, and a
second magnet 380 is installed in the housing 90.
[0066] The first magnet 330 has a ring shape with a first radius,
and the second magnet 380 has a ring shape with a radius equal to
the first radius, so that the first magnet 330 is vertically
overlapped with the second magnet 380.
[0067] An upper portion of the first magnet 330 has a first
polarity 331, and a lower portion of the first magnet 330 has a
second polarity 332. For example, the first polarity 331 is the
S-pole, and the second polarity 332 is the magnet north pole. On
the contrary, the first polarity 331 may be the N-pole, and the
second polarity 332 is the magnet south pole.
[0068] In addition, an upper portion of the second magnet 380 has a
first polarity 381 and a lower portion of the second magnet 380 has
a second polarity 382. For example, the first polarity 381 may be
the S-pole, and the second polarity 382 may be the N-pole. On the
contrary, the first polarity 381 may be the N-pole, and the second
polarity 382 may be the S-pole.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, the first polarity 331 of the first
magnet 330 faces the second polarity 382 of the second magnet
380.
[0070] Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first
polarity 331 of the first magnet 330 and the second polarity 381 of
the second magnet 380.
[0071] As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 can return to an original position thereof due to the
force generated between the first and second magnets 330 and
380.
[0072] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a view showing the
arrangement of magnets of the input device according to the fifth
embodiment.
[0073] Details of elements the same as those of the first
embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.
[0074] In the input device according to the fifth embodiment, a
first magnet 430 is installed in the sliding member 50, and a
second magnet 480 is installed in the housing 90.
[0075] The first magnet 430 has a ring shape with a first radius,
and the second magnet 480 has a ring shape with a radius equal to
the first radius so that the first magnet 430 is overlapped with
the second magnet 480 in a vertical direction.
[0076] The first magnet 430 has a first polarity 431 at a region
formed radially inward thereof and a second polarity 432 at a
region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first
polarity 431 may be the S-pole, and the second polarity 432 may be
an N-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity 431 may be the
N-pole, and the second polarity 432 may be the S-pole.
[0077] In addition, the second magnet 480 has a first polarity 481
at a region formed radially inward thereof and a second polarity
482 at a region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the
first polarity 481 may be the N-pole, and the second polarity 482
may be the S-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity 481 may be
the S-pole, and the second polarity 482 may be the N-pole.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 10, the first polarity 431 of the first
magnet 430 faces the first polarity 481 of the second magnet 480,
and the second polarity 432 of the first magnet 430 faces the
second polarity 482 of the second magnet 480.
[0079] Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first
polarity 431 of the first magnet 430 and the first polarity 481 of
the second magnet 480, and attractive force is generated between
the second polarity 432 of the first magnet 430 and the second
polarity 482 of the second magnet 480.
[0080] In addition, repulsive force is generated between the first
polarity 431 of the first magnet 430 and the second polarity 482 of
the second magnet 480, and repulsive force is generated between the
second polarity 432 of the first magnet 430 and the first polarity
481 of the second magnet 480.
[0081] As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 can return to an original position thereof due to the
force generated between the first and second magnets 430 and
480.
[0082] Hereinafter, the arrangement of the magnets in the input
device according to the sixth embodiment will be described with
reference to FIG. 11.
[0083] Similarly to the fifth embodiment, in the input device
according to the sixth embodiment, a first magnet 530 is installed
in the sliding member 50, and a second magnet 580 is installed in
the housing 90.
[0084] The first magnet 530 has a ring shape with a first radius,
and the second magnet 580 has a ring shape with a radius equal to
the first radius so that the first magnet 530 is overlapped with
the second magnet 580 in a vertical direction.
[0085] The first magnet 530 has a first polarity 531 and a second
polarity 532 which are alternately aligned with each other in a
radial direction. For example, the first polarity 531 may be the
S-pole, and the second polarity 532 may be the N-pole. On the
contrary, the first polarity 531 may be the N-pole, and the second
polarity 532 may be the S-pole.
[0086] The second magnet 580 has a first polarity 581 and a second
polarity 582 which are alternately aligned with each other in a
radial direction. For example, the first polarity 581 may be the
N-pole, and the second polarity 582 may be the S-pole. On the
contrary, the first polarity 581 may be the N-pole, and the second
polarity 582 may be the S-pole.
[0087] The first polarity 531 of the first magnet 530 faces the
first polarity 581 of the second magnet 580, and the second
polarity 532 of the first magnet 530 faces the second polarity 582
of the second magnet 580.
[0088] Accordingly, attractive force is generated between the first
polarity 531 of the first magnet 530 and the first polarity 581 of
the second magnet 580, and attractive force is generated between
the second polarity 532 of the first magnet 530 and the second
polarity 582 of the second magnet 580.
[0089] In addition, repulsive force is generated between the first
polarity 531 of the first magnet 530 and the second polarity 582 of
the second magnet 580, and repulsive force is generated between the
second polarity 532 of the first magnet 530 and the first polarity
581 of the second magnet 580.
[0090] As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 returns to an original position thereof due to the force
generated between the first and second magnets 530 and 580.
[0091] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a seventh embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a view showing
the arrangement of magnets in the input device according to the
seventh embodiment.
[0092] Details of elements the same as those of the first
embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.
[0093] In the input device according to the seventh embodiment, a
first magnet 630 is installed in the sliding member 50, and a
second magnet 680 is installed in the housing 90.
[0094] The first magnet 630 has a ring shape with a first radius,
and the second magnet 680 has a ring shape with a second radius
greater than the first radius, so that the first magnet 630 is
provided within the radius of the second magnet 680.
[0095] The first magnet 630 is provided with a first height, and
the second magnet 680 is provided with a second height, so that the
first magnet 630 is partially overlapped with the second magnet 680
in a horizontal direction.
[0096] An upper portion of the first magnet 630 has a first
polarity 631, and a lower portion of the first magnet 630 has a
second polarity 632. For example, the first polarity 631 may be the
S-pole, and the second polarity 632 may be the N-pole. On the
contrary, the first polarity 631 may be the N-pole, and the second
polarity 632 may be the S-pole.
[0097] In addition, an upper portion of the second magnet 680 has a
first polarity 681, and a lower portion of the first magnet 680 has
a second polarity 682. For example, the first polarity 681 may be
the S-pole, and the second polarity 682 may be the N-pole. On the
contrary, the first polarity 681 may be the N-pole, and the second
polarity 682 may be the S-pole.
[0098] As shown in FIG. 13, the first polarity 631 of the first
magnet 630 faces the first polarity 681 of the second magnet 680,
and the second polarity 632 of the first magnet 630 faces the
second polarity 682 of the second magnet 680.
[0099] Attractive force is generated between the second polarity
632 of the first magnet 630 and the first polarity 681 of the
second magnet 680, repulsive force is generated between the first
polarity 631 of the first magnet 630 and the first polarity 681 of
the second magnet 680, and repulsive force is generated between the
second polarity 632 of the first magnet 630 and the second polarity
682 of the second magnet 680. Accordingly, repulsive force is
generated between the first magnet 630 and the second magnet
680.
[0100] As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 returns to an original position thereof due to the force
generated between the first and second magnets 630 and 680.
[0101] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to an eighth embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a view showing
the arrangement of magnets in the input device according to the
eighth embodiment.
[0102] Details of elements the same as those of the first
embodiment will be omitted in order to avoid redundancy.
[0103] In the input device according to the eighth embodiment, a
first magnet 730 is installed in the sliding member 50, and a
second magnet 780 is installed in the housing 90.
[0104] The first magnet 730 has a ring shape with a first radius,
and the second magnet 780 has a ring shape with a second radius
greater than the first radius, so that the first magnet 730 is
provided in the second magnet 780.
[0105] The first magnet 730 has a first height, and the second
magnet 780 has a second height substantially identical to the first
height, so that the first magnet 730 is at least partially
overlapped with the second magnet 780 in a horizontal
direction.
[0106] The first magnet 730 has a first polarity 731 at a region
formed radially inward thereof, and a second polarity 732 at a
region formed radially outward thereof. For example, the first
polarity 731 may be the N-pole, and the second polarity 732 may be
the S-pole. On the contrary, the first polarity 731 may be the
S-pole, and the second polarity 732 may be the N-pole.
[0107] The second magnet 780 has a first polarity 781 at a region
radially inward thereof, and a second polarity 782 at a region
radially outward thereof. For example, the first polarity 781 may
be the S-pole, and the second polarity 782 may be the N-pole. On
the contrary, the first polarity 781 may be the N-pole, and the
second polarity 732 may be the S-pole.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 15, the second polarity 732 of the first
magnet 730 faces the first polarity 781 of the second magnet
780.
[0109] Repulsive force is generated between the second polarity 732
of the first magnet 730 and the first polarity 781 of the second
magnet 780.
[0110] As a result, when external force is removed, the sliding
member 50 returns to an original position thereof due to the force
generated between the first and second magnets 730 and 780.
[0111] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a ninth embodiment.
[0112] In the input device according to the ninth embodiment, a
sensing member 121 is installed on a substrate 120, and a housing
190 is provided on the substrate 120. A sliding member 150 is
interposed between the housing 190 and the substrate 120, and a
sensing plate 140 is installed below the sliding member 150 so as
to be detected by the sensing member 121.
[0113] A first magnet 830 is installed in the sliding member 150,
and a second magnet 880 is installed in the housing 190.
[0114] The first magnet 830 has first and second magnetic poles 831
and 832, and the second magnet 880 has first and second magnetic
poles 881 and 882.
[0115] The first magnetic pole 831 of the first magnet 830 faces
the second magnetic pole 882 of the second magnet 880, and the
first magnetic pole 831 and the second magnetic pole 882 of the
second magnet 880 have the same polarity. Accordingly, if an
external force is not exerted, the sliding member 150 is stopped at
a predetermined position due to repulsive force between the first
magnet 830 and the second magnet 880.
[0116] The sensing member 121 detects a signal according to the
position variation of the sensing plate 140 to output a value
corresponding to the movement of the sliding member 150.
[0117] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to a tenth embodiment.
[0118] In the input device according to the tenth embodiment, a
sensing member 221 and a switching member 222 are mounted on a
substrate 220, and a housing 290 is provided on the substrate 220.
A sliding member 250 is interposed between the housing 290 and the
substrate 220, and a sensing plate 240 is installed below the
sliding member 250 so as to be detected by the sensing member 221
and the switching member 222.
[0119] A first magnet 930 is installed in the sliding member 250,
and a second magnet 980 is installed in the housing 290. A back
yoke 931 may be installed below the first magnet 930 in order to
enhance magnetic force.
[0120] Attractive force is generated between the first magnet 930
and the second magnet 980.
[0121] Accordingly, if external force is not exerted, the sliding
member 250 is stopped at a predetermined position due to attractive
force between the first and second magnets 930 and 980.
[0122] The sensing member 221 detects a signal according to the
position variation of the sensing plate 240 in a horizontal
direction to output a value corresponding to the movement of the
sliding member 250. In addition, the switching member 222 detects a
signal according to the position variation of the sensing plate 240
in a vertical direction to output a value corresponding to the
pressing degree of the sliding member 250. For example, when the
sensing plate 240 is strongly pressed, the switching member 222 can
output a signal.
[0123] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing an input device
according to an eleventh embodiment.
[0124] In an input device according to the eleventh embodiment, a
sensing member 321 is mounted on a substrate 320, and a housing 390
is provided above the substrate 320. A sliding member 350 is
interposed between the housing 390 and the substrate 320, and a
sensing plate 340 is installed below the sliding member 350 so as
to be detected by the sensing member 321.
[0125] A magnetic substance 1030 may be installed in the sliding
member 350, and a magnet 1080 may be installed in the housing 390.
In addition, a magnet may be mounted on the sliding member 350, and
a magnetic substance may be installed in the housing 390.
[0126] Attractive force is generated between the magnetic substance
1030 and the magnet 1080.
[0127] Accordingly, if external force is not exerted, the sliding
member 350 is stopped at a predetermined position due to attractive
force between the magnetic substance 1030 and the magnet 1080.
[0128] The sensing member 321 detects a signal according to the
position variation of the sensing plate 340 to output a value
corresponding to the movement of the sliding member 350.
[0129] As described above according to the embodiments, in the
input device according to the embodiments, a magnet is installed in
one of a sliding member and a housing, and a magnetic substance is
installed in the other of the sliding member and the housing.
Accordingly, the sliding member can return an original position
thereof by using force generated between the magnet and the
magnetic substance.
[0130] In addition, in the input device according to the
embodiments, a first magnet is installed in the sliding member, and
a second magnet is installed in a housing. Accordingly, the sliding
member can return to an original position thereof by using force
between the first magnet and the second magnet.
[0131] Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular
feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the
invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the
specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it
is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the
art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in
connection with other ones of the embodiments.
[0132] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *